Christmas in Central Geelong: List of Activities
Central Geelong Christmas brings festive cheer to the city’s heart every year. Geelong’s vibrant city centre is transformed every year into a winter wonderland with exciting activities, dazzling light displays and community celebrations.
Central Geelong is the centre of holiday celebrations from November to December. There’s something for everyone, including Christmas Markets, parades on the streets, and entertainment suitable for families. The Christmas Tree at the centre of the city, which is often beautifully lit and decorated, attracts people for photos and holiday celebrations.
It’s time for Christmas in Geelong. The halls are decked out, the stockings are hanging, and the trees sparkle.
Here’s our list of fun and festive things to do in the city.
Central Geelong Christmas
Christmas Tree Floating
The 25-metre-tall metal beauty, which is a symbol of the city’s history and culture, has returned to the waterfront. It shines brighter than ever. The six-minute Sound and Light shows are staged every night at 8.30 pm. On Saturdays, there’s a Family Friendly Light and Sound Show.
This is just one of many attractions in the city geared towards the festive season.
Giant Selfie Trail
A huge self-portrait trail is located in 20 locations throughout Geelong. The Insta-worthy backdrops are perfect for festive photos, including a kiss under the mistletoe, being trapped in a Christmassy Snow Globe, and a selfie with Santa Claus and becoming a Christmas Tree Decoration.
Central Geelong has seven excellent locations that are easily accessible by foot, and others are nearby at Eastern Beach or Geelong West.
Christmas in the Gardens
Geelong has a new event, Geelong Christmas in the Gardens. It is designed to bring people together for a festive celebration. This event is set in the beautiful gardens and parks of Geelong and offers a relaxed, yet festive, atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity for people of any age to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas.
This is a family-friendly event that offers a variety of fun activities for both young and old. The event will feature a number of interactive activities, such as carol performances craft workshops and Santa visits. The gardens are transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland with twinkling light displays and festive displays. This is the perfect place for family photos.
Here’s a sneak preview of what awaits, from photos with Santa to crafts and movie magic.
- Snap A Pic With Santa: Capture a festive moment with a photo alongside Santa.
- Face painting: Transform your little ones into holiday wonders by using our talented face painters.
- Photo Booth for Christmas: Pose and capture a memorable Christmas moment in our themed booth.
- Activities and Crafts: Unleash creativity with holiday crafts such as sand art and stencils.
- Deck the Halls Film Night: Enjoy a festive film night with the classic Christmas movie “Deck the Halls.”
- Pot A Plant: Green Thumbs, prepare to pot a flower and add your decorative touch.
- Music & Performances: Get into the Christmas spirit with interactive circus acts, stories, and Christmas music.
- Giant Games Test Your Skills with Oversized Chess, Connect Four and More.
- Scavenger Hunt Take part in a festive scavenger search for the chance to win great prizes.
- Sunken Glass House: Discover the Christmas living display in the heritage Sunken Glasshouse.
- Plant Sale: Take home a little bit of holiday spirit by purchasing plants from Friends Nursery.
- Meli activation for the Geelong Giving Tree Help those in need by purchasing chocolate Christmas Trees or Stars.
- Barwon Water activation: Stay Hydrated with a Station, Games, Giveaways, and Activities.
- Bite-to-Eat: Choose delicious food options including WYM in the Tea House, food trucks that offer spiral potatoes, vegan treats, doughnuts and slushies, as well as food trucks with spiral potatoes, vegan delights and doughnuts.
The best thing about Christmas in the Gardens is that it’s completely free. This makes it available to families without additional costs. No advance booking is required, so simply turn up with your kids on the day and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This event is designed so that it’s as stress-free and fun as possible. Families can enjoy themselves without having to worry about tickets or reservations.
The tickets are valid for one child and one guardian or adult. This allows families to attend without purchasing multiple passes. The inclusion of adults and children ensures everyone can enjoy the magic together. Everyone will feel part of the celebration, whether it is meeting with Santa or participating in crafts workshops.
Christmas Festival of Lights
The Christmas Festival of Lights is a must-see event at Adventure Park. It promises to be dazzling with more than 3.3 million light displays in its largest event. Theme park rides, Santa’s visit, and 1000 light displays will make this a holiday treat.
There are 300,000 lights in the new installations, including a 100m light maze, a 4m tall Reindeer and an 8m long Ice Castle. There’s also a large-scale animated musical singing show featuring Polar Bear characters and a high-flying Elf Trapeze Show.
Christmas Projects
City Hall will be transformed into a spectacular spectacle as part of the Christmas In Geelong celebrations with breathtaking Christmas-themed projects. Matt Bonner is a multi-media projection artist who has created an enchanting display that promises a magical trip through the wonders of Christmas.
The best way to experience the projections is in person. You can either watch them from a designated viewing area on the ground or from the Civic Car Park between 8:30 pm and 11:30 pm.
This year’s show features a collection of animated scenes from past Christmases. Matt Bonner’s creative direction centres around the captivating Christmas Star and guides viewers through a tapestry festive theme. The projection features intricately decorated Christmas decorations and transforms City Hall into Santa’s Workshop. It captures the spirit of the holidays.
Carols by Candlelight Geelong
Carols By Candlelight returns annually to Johnstone Park on Sunday 24th December. This is the perfect way for the Christmas Eve festivities to begin. This community event will bring together locals and tourists for a memorable evening of Christmas carols, Live music and festive spirit.
Johnstone Park has a magical atmosphere, as the park is illuminated with thousands of candles. This creates a soft glow that adds to the festive mood. As the sun begins to set and the evening progresses, guests are invited to gather with their family and friends on the lawns to sing along to traditional carols as well as contemporary holiday songs performed by local musicians and choirs.
Bring a picnic and share it with your loved ones. Grab a rug and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. Mark Christmas Eve in Geelong.
The Carousel hosts Christmas Nights
Enjoy a Christmas after-hours experience in the magical world of Geelong’s beloved Carousel. Immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere by riding horses or participating in festive crafts.
You’ll also find a list of family-friendly activities and the Sound and Light Show, which features the iconic floating Christmas Tree.
There is no booking required for the Carousel Pavilion, face painting and craft activities. Tickets for the magical Carousel can be purchased on-site.
